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June 2012 Book of the Month.

A fascinating novel. In one way comforting, as you find yourself back in the village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes for a third time (Chocolat and The Lollipop Shoes). In another challenging and a little unsettling, as Harris addresses how the religion of Islam can be used as an excuse for segregation and certain behaviour. Unsurprisingly it is handled incredibly well and she delivers a satisfying read that we think would be a great reading group choice as well.

Synopsis

Peaches for Monsieur le Cure by Joanne Harris

It isn't often you receive a letter from the dead. When Vianne Rocher receives a letter from beyond the grave, she has no choice but to follow the wind that blows her back to Lansquenet, the village in which eight years ago, she opened up a chocolate shop.

But returning to her old home, Vianne is completely unprepared for what she is to find there. Women veiled in black, the scent of spices and peppermint tea - and there, on the bank of the river Tannes, facing the church, a minaret.

About the Author

Joanne Harris was our Guest Editor in June 2012 - click here - to see the books that inspired her writing.

Joanne Harris is the author of the Whitbread-shortlisted Chocolat (made into a major film starring Juliette Binoche), Blackberry Wine, Five Quarters of the Orange, Coastliners, Holy Fools, Jigs & Reels, and, with Fran Warde, The French Kitchen: A Cookbook. She lives in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, with her husband and daughter.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all Joanne Harris’s books but Gentlemen and Players I quite simply adored. I loved the character Roy Straightley, an aging Classic’s teacher with a dicky heart, clinging tenaciously to honest old values, his delightfully ironic sense of humour, his warmth, his dedication. In his secure hands we are led into such a gripping story with so many twist and turns that my only sadness was that it had to end.